Acceptable Loss

A William Monk Novel

When a murdered body is discovered in the Thames, clues lead to a heinous child-pornography case that police superintendent William Monk thought he had left behind, in an investigation that threatens his friend Oliver Rathbone and forces Monk to consider painful sacrifices.

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Somehow I skipped four before this one in the series; usually I'm very careful to read them in strict order. Not doing so meant I started out being quite confused at the beginning of this one. I caught up, however. Perry's as good as always in her depiction of the familiar characters, showing us new facets in each book. As usual, an ethical dilemma holds center stage, here, one which threatens many people, and especially the firm, if prickly, relationship between Monk and Rathbone. Sometimes I can guess the ending, but this time I was taken very much by surprise.

I have long been an Anne Perry fan, but had not read her novels in some years. While I enjoyed renewing my acquaintance with old friends William and Hester Monk, I did find a few plot holes in the story. Nonetheless, this is one of the better fiction books I have read in recent months, and I will be taking more Perry books out for my reading pleasure in the near future. Perry's characterizations are excellent, and she always provides food for thought in the ethical dilemmas faced by her protagonists. She also provides a historical picture so vivid that it is hard to believe she did not experience it firsthand. A very satisfying read, in all.

A great read as usual from Anne Perry. I really enjoyed this continuing story of Monk, Charlotte and Rathbone. Anne really focuses on loyalty - and how our family ties can blur our ideas of what is right and what is wrong. very well done.